Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the First Armenian International Congress on Telemedicine and ehealth ARMTELEMED: Road to the Future will take place on October 14-16, 2011 in Yerevan, Armenia, under the auspices of the International Society for Telemedicine and ehealth (ISfTeH) and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). The congress will be organized by Armenian Association of Telemedicine (AATM), jointly with Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University (RAU) and Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE), and will be supported or endorsed by relevant governmental bodies, and by a number of institutions, organizations and agencies, both local and international, including public and private healthcare institutions, universities and research institutes, professional associations, IT and telecom industry. The use of Information and Communication Technologies continues transforming healthcare delivery to such extent as to allow many to call it a Healthcare Revolution, or the Future of Medicine. What exciting new opportunities can that future bring us? What do we need to make that future closer? What is the global experience, and how should we adapt it to the situation in Armenia and similar countries? What are the challenges and pitfalls? These and many other questions will shape an extremely interesting agenda of the event that we are contemplating today. The congress will feature two days of plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions and round tables, with keynote presentations by no less than fifteen world-famous experts in telehealth and related technologies (the list of confirmed speakers will be announced later on), as well as an educational track (seminar of the International School of Telemedicine and ehealth) and an exposition of local and international companies. The event is expected to bring together 300+ participants, including policy makers, government officials and senior executives, all of them defining and regulating development of the field of Information and Communication Technologies in medicine and healthcare, in Armenia and beyond. We cordially invite you to participate in this groundbreaking event, the first-of-the-kind not just in Armenia, but in the entire region. We consider contribution to organization and conduct of such event to be equally prestigious and important not only for us, the organizers of the forum, but for all our partners and colleagues worldwide, interested in and enthusiastic about the field of Health Information Technologies. Whether you are an individual interested in telemedicine and ehealth, represent professional community, academia, or industry, this event will provide you with a brilliant opportunity to network with similarly minded colleagues, to present your experience,
production or services to the emerging markets, to learn from the world s champions in telehealth, to start new business or collaboration, or to once again position yourself as a leader in the field. Attending the congress is also a great chance to visit ancient Armenia an attractive touristic destination, in the most beautiful and vibrant season here, to participate in extensive sightseeing and cultural program, to benefit from renowned hospitality of Armenian people, and to enjoy the taste of our rich history, tradition and heritage. We look forward to warmly welcoming you to ARMTELEMED! With kind regards, Co-chairs of the Organizing Committee: Georgi Chaltikyan, MD, PhD (President of the Armenian Association of Telemedicine) Armen Darbinyan, DSc, Professor (President of the Russian-Armenian University) Karen Vardanyan (CEO of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises) Detailed information on structure of the congress, participation conditions and registration fees, sponsorship, exhibition and support opportunities, and other relevant information is available on the official web-site of the congress at http://congress.armtelemed.org, and in the attachments. Registration and abstract submission are open as of May 1, 2011! Address inquiries about the forthcoming event to: Organizing Committee of ARMTELEMED-1 123 Hovsep Emin St., Yerevan 0051, Armenia Tel.: +374 10 23 68 83 ext. 11 39, +374 10 23 58 27 e-mail: congress@armtelemed.org, info@armtelemed.org Attachment 1: The format, topics and audience of the congress. Attachment 2: Participation conditions and registration. Attachment 3: Sponsor / exhibitor / supporter opportunities. Attachment 4: About the organizers.
Attachment 1: Preliminary information on format, topics and audience of the congress. PRELIMINARY STRUCTURE OF THE CONGRESS Day 1 Plenary Sessions featuring keynote presentations by invited speakers from Armenia, USA, Europe and other regions (expected 15 invited speakers); Panel Discussions and Round Tables on most important issues. Day 2 Scientific Sessions, Satellite Symposia. Seminar of the International School of Telemedicine and ehealth (presented by the ISfTeH). Day 3 Sightseeing and Cultural Program for International Guests. Proceedings of the congress will be published in hardcopy, on digital media and web-site. Select keynote presentations will be broadcast over the Internet. An exposition of local and international telehealth, IT and telecom companies will be organized throughout the congress in the main lobby of the congress venue. TOPICS OF THE CONGRESS: Information and Communication Technologies in medicine and healthcare: history, current state and perspectives of development; Modern telehealth: techniques, approaches, equipment, applications and services; Clinical telemedicine services and their applicability in various medical specialties; Development, operation and maintenance of contemporary telemedicine networks; ehealth: global experience and perspectives or development; Implementation of ehealth in developing countries, local perspectives; Development of ehealth strategies;
Electronic Health Records and Health Information Networks; ehealth and telemedicine in emergency preparedness and disaster response; Remote patient monitoring (Home Telehealth) and allied techniques; Mobile / wireless applications in medicine and healthcare (Mobile Telehealth, mhealth); Distance learning in medicine and public health; Development of commercial telehealth programs; Research and development in telemedicine, ehealth and Health ICT; Educational programs in telemedicine, ehealth and Health ICT; Ethical, liability and reimbursement issues in telemedicine and ehealth; Issues of standardization, interoperability and compatibility in telemedicine and ehealth; Biological and Medical Informatics and Telematics; Database and network management, modern virtualization techniques (cloud computing): implications in telemedicine and ehealth; Broadband and wireless (mobile) Internet: current state of development, implications in medicine, biomedical education and research, and public health. EXPECTED AUDIENCE: Representatives of governmental bodies and other regulatory agencies in the field; Representatives of local and international investment funds; High level executive, managers and staff of major healthcare institutions, hospitals, clinics, other healthcare providers, health insurers, IT and telecom companies, etc.; Healthcare practitioners, physicians in training, nurses, other healthcare personnel; Representatives of major academic institutions, research and development institutes in medicine, public health, information and communication technologies; Students of medicine, public health, biology, information technology, applied informatics; Everyone interested in information and communication technologies in healthcare.
Attachment 2: Participation Conditions and Registration. Registration and abstract submission opening May 1, 2011 Abstract submission deadline July 31, 2011 Early bird registration deadline September 10, 2011 Full paper camera ready submission deadline September 10, 2011 Keynote presentation full text and slide submission deadline September 10, 2011 Registration Fees: Registration Categories (see legend for full detail) Domestic Attendees (prices in AMD) International Attendees (prices in USD) AATM / RAU / UITE* Others ISfTeH / ATA** Others Core congress Free Free 15,000 20,000 Free 50 50 100 registration 1 Abstract / Article Free N/A 5,000 N/A Free N/A 20 N/A Publication 2 Student registration 3 Free Free Free Free Free Free 20 50 One day registration 4 Free Free 8,000 12,000 Free 30 30 60 Presenter registration 5 Free Free 10,000 15,000 Free Free 35 70 Seminar registration 6 Free Free 15,000 20,000 Free Free 50 100 Proceedings and 5,000 5,000 7,000 10,000 35 50 55 75 CD/DVD 7 Gala Dinner 7,000 7,000 10,000 15,000 50 50 75 95 participation 8 Full Package 9 N/A N/A 25,000 45,000 N/A N/A 125 215 Premium Package 10 12,000 12,000 37,000 60,000 75 135 185 295 Webinar registration 11 Free Free 3,000 5,000 Free Free 20 35 On or before September 10, 2011 (Early Bird Registration) After September 10, 2011 and on-site * Members and permanent staff of AATM, faculty and staff of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, permanent staff of UITE ** Members and permanent staff of ISfTeH, ATA or any affiliated or partner organization 1. Core congress registration: Includes access to all plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions, round tables, satellite symposia and exposition area, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS access to welcoming reception and lunches / coffee breaks, PLUS congress bag.
2. Abstract / Article Publication: Entitles to publishing of one abstract or paper in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS 50% discount on the second, without participation in the congress program. 3. Student registration: Includes access to all plenary and scientific sessions, satellite symposia and exposition area, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS access to welcoming reception and lunches / coffee breaks (proof of full-time enrollment required!), PLUS congress bag (only pre-registered). 4. One day registration: Includes access to all plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions, round tables, satellite symposia and exposition area on any one of the two days, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), access to welcoming reception and lunches / coffee breaks, PLUS congress bag. 5. Presenter registration: Maximum two oral and/or poster presentations included into the scientific program (formal confirmation required!), PLUS access to all plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions, round tables, satellite symposia and exposition area, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS access to welcoming reception and lunches / coffee breaks, PLUS congress bag. 6. Seminar registration: Access to the Seminar of International School of Telemedicine and ehealth (ISfTeH), PLUS access to the seminar lunch / coffee breaks, PLUS seminar handout (collection of seminar lectures and faculty / attendee information in hardcopy and on a CD or DVD). 7. Proceedings of the congress, including full-text and slides / pictures of the keynote lectures, accepted abstracts and full-text (short and long) articles, poster presentations, Organizing Committee, invited speakers, seminar faculty, congress and seminar attendee (preregistered only!) information, plus additional information on co-organizers, sponsors, exhibitors and supporting organizations / institutions, will be published in hardcopy and on a digital media (CD or DVD). Can be purchased on site or ordered in advance and picked up on site. Is included in bundled registration packages (see below). 8. A Gala Dinner will be organized as concluding major networking event, in one of the prestigious restaurants in downtown Yerevan, and will feature meals and drinks, live music, concluding speeches, remarks and addresses by the congress co-organizers, invited speakers and guests, sponsors and supporters, and other social program. Invitation to Gala Dinner for one person is included in Premier bundle; they are as well provided to invited speakers, faculty, special guests and sponsors (see below). Additional social, cultural and networking events (such as sightseeing tours, museum visits, concerts etc) and their conditions of participation will be announced later. 9. Full Package: Includes access to all plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions, round tables, satellite symposia and exposition area, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS Access to the Seminar of International School of Telemedicine and ehealth (ISfTeH), PLUS access to
welcoming reception, all lunches and coffee breaks, PLUS seminar handout, PLUS Congress Proceedings and CD/DVD. 10. Premium Package: Access to all plenary and scientific sessions, panel discussions, round tables, satellite symposia and exposition area, PLUS publishing of maximum two abstracts or papers in the congress proceedings (formal acceptance required!), PLUS Access to the Seminar of International School of Telemedicine and ehealth (ISfTeH), PLUS access to welcoming reception, all lunches and coffee breaks, PLUS seminar handout, PLUS Congress Proceedings and CD/DVD, PLUS Gala Dinner invitation for one person. 11. Webinar registration: Select keynote presentations and select panel sessions and roundtable discussions will be broadcast over the Internet. Registration for the webinar will follow the same time-table (registration opens May 1; early bird deadline on September 10); however, participants must have registered and obtained their login details by October 10 the latest. 12. Invited Speakers, Faculty and Special Guests are provided with full access to the congress program and exposition, a copy of congress proceedings and CD/DVD, and invitation to Gala Dinner for two persons. 13. Congress Sponsors / Exhibitors are provided with privileges consistent with Premium Package, for one to five persons depending on the sponsor/exhibitor package (see Sponsor / Exhibitor / Supporter Opportunities). 14. Group registrations are available for any registration category, for 5 and more members of a non-profit entity, at 30% discounted rate (see Sponsor / Exhibitor / Supporter Opportunities). 15. Other combinations are possible on special request. 16. Confirmation of registration. Submission of the registration fee is a prerequisite for confirmation of registration, inclusion of the presentation in the final program, and/or inclusion of the publication in the proceedings. All confirmations will be sent via e-mail. Confirmed pre-registered participants will present their confirmation e-mail letters and pick up their badges and congress bags at the registration desk of the congress venue. Participants may also pay and register on site, throughout the working hours of the congress (see above for the exceptions). 17. Cancellations and refund. Cancellations of core congress, presenter, seminar registration, Full and Premier Packages, with requests reaching the Organizing Committee on or before September 1, 2011 will be refunded with the deduction of a cancellation fee (AMD 3,000; USD 20). Cancellations requested after September 1, 2011, and cancellations of all other registration categories, will not be refunded. Cancellation requests should be directed to the Organizing Committee via e-mail or surface mail. Refunds will be processed within 30 days upon completion of the congress. Registration can be transferred to another person at any time. Transfers changing registration category are subject to payment of the difference, to correspond to the new registration category (but not to refund of the difference). 18. Registration fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Attachment 3: Sponsor / exhibitor / supporter opportunities. PRINCIPAL SPONSOR (maximum number: 2-3) USD 10,000* 1. Company logo (title) on congress bags and certificates. 2. Company logo (title) on congress pens and notebooks provided by the company. 3. Company logo (title) in prominent position (header) on all congress promotional materials and outside signage (e-mails, media releases, invitation letters, envelops, posters, banners). 4. Company logo (title) on the 1 st page of the congress program brochure, congress flyer, congress proceedings book, seminar handout and CD/DVD covers. 5. One full-page color ad in the congress proceedings book and seminar handout. 6. Company promotional materials included in the congress bag. 7. Company logo / banner ad with a link on the congress web-site. 8. Welcoming address to the attendees during plenary session, in the congress proceedings book, on the congress web-site and CD/DVDs. 9. Exhibition floor space / booth (16 sqm) in the exposition area of the congress venue. 10. The right for preferred positioning of the booth in the exposition area of the congress. 11. Company banner in the main congress hall and exposition area. 12. Playback of 1 min promotional video of the company in congress halls and exposition area. 13. Opportunity to host a satellite symposium (see below for the details). 14. Premium registration package**, including invitations for gala dinner and participation in sightseeing / cultural program, for 5 persons. 15. Two year corporate membership in AATM. PREMIER SPONSOR (maximum number: 5) USD 7,500* 1. Company logo (title) in sidebar/footer position on all congress promotional materials and outside signage (e-mails, media releases, invitation letters, envelops, posters, banners). 2. Company logo (title) on the 4 th page of the congress program brochure, congress flyer, congress proceedings book, seminar handout and CD/DVD covers. 3. One full-page color ad in the congress proceedings book and seminar handout. 4. Company promotional materials included in the congress bag. 5. Company logo / banner ad with a link on the congress web-site. 6. Exhibition floor space / booth (10 sqm) in the exposition area of the congress venue. 7. Company banner in the exposition area. 8. Playback of 30 sec promotional video of the company in the exposition area. 9. Premium registration package**, including invitations for gala dinner and participation in sightseeing / cultural program, for 3 persons. 10. One year corporate membership in AATM.
SPONSOR USD 5,000* 1. Company logo (title) in footer position on some congress promotional materials and outside signage (e-mail notifications, media releases, posters, banners). 2. Company logo (title) on the 4 th page of the congress program brochure, congress flyer, congress proceedings book, seminar handout and CD/DVD covers. 3. One half-page color ad in the congress proceedings book and seminar handout. 4. Company promotional materials included in the congress bag. 5. Company logo / banner ad with a link on the congress web-site. 6. Exhibition floor space / booth (6 sqm) in the exposition area of the congress venue. 7. Premium registration package**, including invitations for gala dinner and participation in sightseeing / cultural program, for 2 persons. PARTNER USD 2,500* 1. Company logo (title) in footer position on electronic congress promotional materials (email notifications). 2. Company promotional materials included in the congress bag. 3. Company logo / banner ad with a link on the congress web-site. 4. Exhibition floor space / booth (4 sqm) in the exposition area of the congress venue. 5. Premium registration package**, including invitations for gala dinner and participation in sightseeing / cultural program, for 1 person. SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION / INSTITUTION / COMPANY The Organizing Committee is also pleased and honored to invite non-profit public, nongovernmental or public-private entities, as well as commercial entities not willing to take part as sponsor/exhibitor, to participate in the congress in the status of Supporting Organization / Institution, providing they can meet the following criteria: 1. Official endorsement of the event through their relevant networking and announcement channels (event poster in public areas, e-mail notification, public announcement), AND 2. At least two out of the following participation formats: a. At least one keynote presenter; b. At least one representative to the organizing committee; c. At least three published abstracts or articles; d. At least five registered attendees (core congress program). The benefits of Supporting Organization / Institution / Company status shall include: 1. Organization logo (title) in sidebar/footer position on electronic congress promotional materials (e-mail notifications). 2. Organization promotional materials included in the congress bag. 3. Organization logo / banner ad with a link on the congress web-site. 4. Discount 30% on group registration of the organization representatives.
Conditions for hosting a satellite symposium (Industry Leadership Symposium): Duration of a symposium: 1 hour 2-3 presentations. The topics of the presentations should be relevant to the theme of the congress or allied topics (egovernment). The Organizing Committee can provide an Opinion Leader upon request by the sponsoring company. Additional sponsorship opportunities: In addition to the above listed sponsorship packages companies are welcome to suggest any other sponsorship formats, including but not limited to supporting particular features of the congress, such as: Internet provision during the congress; An invited keynote speaker (coordination with the Organizing Committee required); Best oral / poster presentation; Selected oral or poster session; Welcoming reception; Sightseeing tours; Gala dinner; etc. * - Corporate members of ISfTeH, ATA, UITE and affiliates receive 20% discount. ** - See details in Participation Conditions section. Attachment 4: About the principal organizers. ARMENIAN ASSOCIATION OF TELEMEDICINE (AATM) is the leading non-governmental non-for-profit professional organization in the field of telemedicine, ehealth and Health ICT, promoting developing of the field and ensuring collaboration of all stakeholders. AATM is national member representing Armenia within the International Society for Telemedicine and ehealth (ISfTeH), and has formal partnership relations with the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), European Health Telematics Association (EHTEL), Union of Information Technology Enterprises of Armenia (UITE), and variety of local and international professional unions, academic institutions, medical centers, industry leaders and R&D groups. AATM s mission and vision are formally recognized by the country s regulatory and governmental bodies (the Government, the Ministries of Health, Economy, Transport and Communications, among others). Since creation in 2008 AATM has established partnership relations with major local and international organizations, structures and companies related to the field of Telemedicine and ehealth; performed extensive evaluation of the field and consultations necessary to initiate relevant activities; presented its vision and strategy to responsible governmental bodies, and obtained their support for proposed activities; participated in a series of local and international scientific and working meetings (conferences, seminars and business forums); successfully conducted
several pilot telehealth projects and other initiatives; and designed concepts of several longterm programs intended to boost development of Telemedicine and ehealth in Armenia. RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN (SLAVONIC) UNIVERSITY (RAU). Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University is a unique institution in the South Caucasus region being under the joint authority of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia. The university recruited its first students in February 1999, for Law, Public and Municipal Administration and Journalism. Since then the University has been constantly growing and encompassing new branches of learning and research. Starting from 2002 scientific centers, institutions and problem research groups have been developing within the university. In the same year RAU offered its first post-graduate course to the students. On April 29, 2005 RAU was accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. Today RAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. There are 11 divisions (schools) and 32 academic departments at RAU. The university offers training in almost all branches of modern science and humanities for both baccalaureate (4 years) and master s (2 years) degree. Graduates have an opportunity to continue education either in Russia or in other countries. Since November 1, 2001 the university is governed by Former Prime-Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Professor Armen Darbinyan. UNION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISES (UITE). The Union of Information Technology Enterprises was founded in 2000 as a non-profit, non-governmental association of ICT companies of Armenia. UITE was specially set up by the private sector representatives to consolidate industry issues for advocacy, to facilitate business and encourage advancement of research in the ICT sector. At the moment the number of UITE members grows rapidly. As of March 11, 2011 UITE consists of 52 members. The members of UITE are the local and international companies, which operate in Armenia as well as abroad. UITE members involved in software product development, Internet technologies and E-commerce, IT services, R&D, chip design etc. Several UITE members take advanced positions in international markets. The vision of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises is to ensure that there is an internationally competitive ICT/High Tech industry in Armenia. The mission of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises is to make Armenia an internationally recognized ICT/High Tech leader, by providing focused, value-added services and initiatives, which include valuable networking, industry advocacy, business and educational services.